March 19, 2011
Sky Island Alliance is one of the most important environmental forces in Southern Arizona and the region. They are very creative, knowledgeable, constructive, and approachable in their environmental projects. They are easy to work with, both from a government agency client perspective and for their cadre of volunteers and members.
Their projects demonstrate experience and professionalism in approach. I am familiar with SIA as a field contact for the Bureau of Land Management, and also as a volunteer in a few Forest Service projects. The project leaders are always good communicators with government staff and volunteers alike, and they make projects fun!
I worked with SIA on several projects in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. I was struck by their adherance to BLM regulations while carrying out restoration and protective work, which required excellent working knowledge of environmental law.
Their projects demonstrate experience and professionalism in approach. I am familiar with SIA as a field contact for the Bureau of Land Management, and also as a volunteer in a few Forest Service projects. The project leaders are always good communicators with government staff and volunteers alike, and they make projects fun!
I worked with SIA on several projects in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. I was struck by their adherance to BLM regulations while carrying out restoration and protective work, which required excellent working knowledge of environmental law.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Yes, as described above. Additionally, using road closures as an example, SIA techniques and hard work with volunteers permanently closed old dirt roads not in the BLM Master Plan for Las Cienegas, often a difficult task to maintain.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
...do very little and not tinker with success. I know there is plenty of equipment - electronic, manual and otherwise - they could use but I wouldn't tamper with their model. SIA is most valuable as a local grassroots group, so I don't think they should expand too much - there's so much to do in Southern Arizona!
MY ROLE:
Client Served & BLM Park Ranger at Las Cienegas NCA.